Occupational Stressors Among US Maritime Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Content Analysis by Age and Gender.

Objective: The study investigated how COVID-19 impacted US mariners' well-being and the differences in stressors and needs by demographic group.

Methods: Using a qualitative content analysis, we analyzed 478 open-ended responses from US mariners who worked during the pandemic to systematically identify stressors and solutions.

Results: Inadequate organizational support, inability to deboard the vessel, and ineffective COVID-19 controls were identified as primary stressors. Female mariners reported more economic uncertainty concerns, while younger mariners (18 to 34) more frequently mentioned extended voyages and inability to deboard.

Conclusions: These findings offer useful insights for the maritime industry to inform actionable strategies in future public health emergencies. Findings suggest a need for equitable application of emergency protocols, processes to preserve shore leave, consistent communication between shoreside employers and vessels, and mechanisms to address workforce well-being through compensation and recognition.